different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarketseat heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device,installed under or on top of the seat fabric, couldalso interfere with the operation of the passengersensing system. This could either prevent properdeployment of the passenger airbag(s) or preventthe passenger sensing system from properly turningoff the passenger airbag(s). SeePassenger SensingSystem on page 2!84.
If you have any questions, call CustomerAssistance. The phone numbers and addresses forCustomer Assistance are in Step Two of theCustomer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 9!2.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags, seeDifferent Size Tires and Wheelson page 7!75foradditional important information.
Q: Because I have a disability, I have to get myvehicle modified. How can I find out whether thiswill affect my airbag system?
A:If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.The phone numbers and addresses for CustomerAssistance are in Step Two of the CustomerSatisfaction Procedure in this manual. SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 9!2.
In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manualhave information about the location of the airbagsensors, sensing and diagnostic module andairbag wiring.
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Section 7 Service and Appearance Care
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . 7-57
Tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-58Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-60Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-62Inflation - Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-65High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-66Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-67Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-68Tire Inspection and Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-71When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-73Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-73Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-75Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-76Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-77Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-77Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-78If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-79Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-80Removing the Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-81Removing the Flat Tire and Installing theSpare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-86Secondary Latch System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-91Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . 7-94Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-98
Appearance Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-98Interior Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-98Fabric/Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-99Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-100Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other PlasticSurfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-101Wood Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-101Speaker Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-101Care of Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-102Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-102Washing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-102Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-103Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-103Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades . . . . 7-104Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheelsand Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-104Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-105Sheet Metal Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-105Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-106Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-106Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-106
Vehicle Identification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-107Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . 7-107Service Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-107
7-2
(G) Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit:
Maximum load that can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to support that load.
For information on recommended tire pressure
seeInflation - Tire Pressureon page 7!65and
Loading the Vehicleon page 6!32.
Tire Size
The following examples show the different parts of
a tire size.
Passenger (P!Metric) Tire
(A) Passenger (P!Metric) Tire:The United
States version of a metric tire sizing system. The
letter P as the first character in the tire size means
a passenger vehicle tire engineered to standards
set by the U.S. Tire and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width:The three!digit number indicates
the tire section width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two!digit number that
indicates the tire height!to!width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 75, as
shown in item C of the light truck (LT!Metric) tire
illustration, it would mean that the tire's sidewall is
75% as high as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or bias ply construction;
and the letter B means belted!bias ply
construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters
represent the load index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is certified to
carry a load.
7-61
Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses radioand sensor technology to check tire pressure levels.The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in yourvehicle's tires and transmit tire pressure readings to areceiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should bechecked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflationpressure recommended by the vehicle manufactureron the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label.(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the sizeindicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressurelabel, you should determine the proper tire inflationpressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has beenequipped with a tire pressure monitoring system(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale whenone or more of your tires is significantly under!inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltaleilluminates, you should stop and check your tires assoon as possible, and inflate them to the properpressure. Driving on a significantly under!inflated tirecauses the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.Under!inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tiretread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling andstopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for propertire maintenance, and it is the driver's responsibility tomaintain correct tire pressure, even if under!inflationhas not reached the level to trigger illumination of theTPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMSmalfunction indicator to indicate when the system isnot operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicatoris combined with the low tire pressure telltale. Whenthe system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flashfor approximately one minute and then remaincontinuously illuminated. This sequence will continueupon subsequent vehicle start!ups as long as themalfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, thesystem may not be able to detect or signal low tirepressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occurfor a variety of reasons, including the installation ofreplacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehiclethat prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale afterreplacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle toensure that the replacement or alternate tires andwheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operationon page 7!68foradditional information.
7-67
Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and Industry and Science Canada
SeeRadio Frequency Statementon page 9!20forinformation regarding Part 15 of the FederalCommunications Commission (FCC) Rules andRSS-210/211 of Industry and Science Canada.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
If your vehicle is a Two!mode Hybrid, see theTwo!mode Hybrid manual for more information.
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System(TPMS). The TPMS is designed to warn the driver whena low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors aremounted onto each tire and wheel assembly, excludingthe spare tire and wheel assembly. The TPMS sensorsmonitor the air pressure in the vehicle's tires andtransmit the tire pressure readings to a receiver locatedin the vehicle.
When a low tire pressurecondition is detected, theTPMS illuminates the lowtire pressure warning lightlocated on the instrumentpanel cluster.
At the same time a message to check the pressure in aspecific tire appears on the Driver Information Center(DIC) display. The low tire pressure warning light andthe DIC warning message come on at each ignitioncycle until the tires are inflated to the correct inflationpressure. Using the DIC, tire pressure levels can beviewed by the driver. For additional information anddetails about the DIC operation and displays seeDICOperation and Displayson page 4!41andDICWarnings and Messages on page 4!48.
The low tire pressure warning light may come on in coolweather when the vehicle is first started, and then turnoff as you start to drive. This could be an early indicatorthat the air pressure in the tire(s) are getting low andneed to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label, attached to yourvehicle, shows the size of your vehicle's originalequipment tires and the correct inflation pressure foryour vehicle's tires when they are cold. SeeLoading theVehicleon page 6!32, for an example of the Tire andLoading Information label and its location on yourvehicle. Also seeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 7!65.
7-68
GM's exclusive TPC Spec system considers over adozen critical specifications that impact the overallperformance of your vehicle, including brake systemperformance, ride and handling, traction control, and tirepressure monitoring performance. GM's TPC Specnumber is molded onto the tire's sidewall near the tiresize. If the tires have an all!season tread design, theTPC spec number will be followed by an MS for mudand snow. SeeTire Sidewall Labelingon page 7!60foradditional information.
GM recommends replacing tires in sets of four. This isbecause uniform tread depth on all tires will help keepyour vehicle performing most like it did when the tireswere new. Replacing less than a full set of tires canaffect the braking and handling performance of yourvehicle. SeeTire Inspection and Rotationon page 7!71for information on proper tire rotation.
{WARNING:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving. If you mix tires of different sizes, brands,
or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the vehicle
might not handle properly, and you could have a
crash. Using tires of different sizes, brands,
or types could also cause damage to your vehicle.
Be sure to use the same size, brand, and type
tires on all wheels.
Your vehicle may have a different size spare than
the road tires (those originally installed on your
vehicle). When new, your vehicle included a spare
tire and wheel assembly with a similar overall
diameter as your vehicle's road tires and wheels,
so it is all right to drive on it. Because this spare
was developed for use on your vehicle, it will not
affect vehicle handling.
7-74
{WARNING:
If you use bias-ply tires on the vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel
could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use
only radial-ply tires with the wheels on the
vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle's tires with those thatdo not have a TPC Spec number, make sure they arethe same size, load range, speed rating, andconstruction type (radial and bias!belted tires) as yourvehicle's original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire pressure monitoring systemmay give an inaccurate low!pressure warning ifnon!TPC spec rated tires are installed on your vehicle.Non!TPC Spec rated tires may give a low!pressurewarning that is higher or lower than the proper warninglevel you would get with TPC Spec rated tires. SeeTirePressure Monitor System on page 7!67.
Your vehicle's original equipment tires are listed on theTire and Loading Information Label. SeeLoading theVehicleon page 6!32, for more information about theTire and Loading Information Label and its location onyour vehicle.
Different Size Tires and Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a different size thanyour original equipment wheels and tires, this couldaffect the way your vehicle performs, including itsbraking, ride and handling characteristics, stability, andresistance to rollover. Additionally, if your vehicle haselectronic systems such as anti!lock brakes, rolloverairbags, traction control, and electronic stability control,the performance of these systems can be affected.
{WARNING:
If you add different sized wheels, your vehicle
may not provide an acceptable level of
performance and safety if tires not recommended
for those wheels are selected. You may increase
the chance that you will crash and suffer serious
injury. Only use GM specific wheel and tire
systems developed for your vehicle, and have
them properly installed by a GM certified
technician.
SeeBuying New Tireson page 7!73andAccessoriesand Modificationso n p a g e 7!4for additionalinformation.
7-75
WARNING: (Continued)
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To help avoid damage to the vehicle,
drive slowly, re!adjust or remove the device if it is
contacting the vehicle, and do not spin the
wheels. If you do find traction devices that will fit,
install them on the rear tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving,especially if you maintain your vehicle's tires properly.If air goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak outslowly. But if you should ever have a blowout, here area few tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a drag that pullsthe vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off theaccelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently braketo a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like askid and may require the same correction you woulduse in a skid. In any rear blowout remove your foot fromthe accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control bysteering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may bevery bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gentlybrake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
{WARNING:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and training. If a
jack is provided with the vehicle, it is designed
only for changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could be badly
injured or killed if the vehicle slips off the jack.
If a jack is provided with the vehicle, only use
it for changing a flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use thejacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
7-79